The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Staff Sergeant Richard O. Gard (ASN: 35217534), United States Army, for gallantry in action while serving with Company C, 44th Armored Infantry Battalion, 6th Armored Division, in action in the vicinity of Bastogne, Belgium, on 4 January 1945. He led his platoon through heavy artillery and mortar fire to take a woods and, despite depleted numbers and heavy counterattacks, he set up and held a defensive line for thirty-six hours. During an enemy counterattack, he made his way forward one hundred yards under heavy enemy fire to treat and evacuate a man wounded on outpost duty. His personal courage was of immeasurable value to the men whom he led in the absence of a commissioned officer. His gallant courage and aggressive actions reflect high credit to himself and the United States Army.